Monday, September 26, 2011

Time and Space

There is nothing quite like a bit of distance, to provide the much needed distraction and clarity, for a mind that has been working overtime. As we headed out of the city and meandered along the scenic roads in the beautiful wine country region of northern NSW, I felt myself unwinding. With each kilometre driven, the fog in my head gradually lifted. The weather at home depressingly cold and miserable when we took off on Saturday morning. Two hours into our journey, sunny blue replaced rainy grey and the warm, fresh country air filled our lungs. THE most perfect timing, after an emotionally challenging week.

In fact, it was a perfect weekend, as the majority of my family converged to celebrate my brother's 50th birthday. The birthday boy and his family live in a picturesque country town, with rolling green hills on their doorstep and a refreshingly relaxed atmosphere all round. The boys thoroughly enjoyed lapping up all the extra attention from their aunties, uncles and cousins... just as I relished every moment of watching them together. Racing up and down the gigantic yard, on the lush green grass. Playing tip, footy and hide & seek. Bouncing gleefully on the trampoline. Laying mesmerised in front of the bonfire, as flames licked the night sky and embers fell like fairy dust around them. And the cheeky little games they shared, pulling silly faces and giggling hysterically.

With sister-in-laws who are like my own flesh and blood. Nieces and nephews who are funny, caring, intelligent individuals. Brothers who know how to tease with the best of them, but after all is said and done, love and support me no matter what. And the most adoring and devoted parents anyone could wish for. I am truly blessed with the wonderful crew I get to call my family. If only we could spend even more quality time together, like the weekend just gone. 








12 comments:

  1. So very true sweetie...if only we focused more on the simple things in life that bring us joy. So happy that you had a lovely break away with family...the kiddies are adorable x

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  2. So glad you had such an enjoyable weekend away with you're family. it certainly looks like lots of fun! xx

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  3. Oh - that's fantastic.
    Exactly what you needed after last week.
    Love the pics - and the feelings of contentment and comfort that you convey here.
    I hope you have a beautiful week.
    :-)

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  4. Sounds perfect Julie! Just what you needed after your past week. Bet the boys were mesmerised by that bonfire.

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  5. Oh! How perfect!

    A perfect weekend :)

    Beautiful photos too.

    Your boys truly look like the best of friends :)

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  6. That weekend sounds blissful - particularly after the week you had last week! Looks like the boys are having lots of fun.

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  7. It looks like a really enjoyable weekend.

    I could easily lay down on the grass and watch the fire. Life's little pleasures right there.

    Kate
    xx

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  8. What a beautiful post - I love the way you write. Sounds like a much needed relaxing weekend. And i know how you feel about wishing you could spend more time with your family. Alison x

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  9. Family is the best to have around when going through a tough time. It energizes you with their love.

    Beautiful pictures!

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  10. Julie I’m so happy to hear you have been with your family I can feel the love and sounds of laughter already. It would be hard to not have them around you all the time especially when you have had so much to deal with lately. Your boys are so gorgeous looks like they needed some family playtime too.

    Talk soon my friend x
    Always Wendy

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  11. This sounds like the weekend you deserve honey!

    I love that distance can actually make your problems smaller and seem insignificant. I use to work with a boss who use to say, "in the scheme of the bigger picture, does this stress really matter?" He was awesome at putting things into perspective.

    You sound like you have the most amazing family, and the best bit? You don't take any of it for granted!

    xx

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  12. Julie, this sounds amazing. You write with so much rich imagery. I really felt like I was in that car with you!

    I hope you're still feeling refreshed and recuperated!

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